Same-sex marriage has been legalized in 4 states and proposed in several others, but it's a long way from becoming a US institution. We talk about Constitutional rights, religious objections and political calculations. Also, today's UN racism conference sparks protests, and the horrors of war and the intimate brutality of torture. Is one worse than the other?
Banner image: New York Governor David Paterson announces his intention to introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the state of New York April 16, 2009. Standing at the podium with Paterson the openly gay speaker of the New York City Council Chrstine Quinn (R). Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images